Why Hormone Testing Matters
Hormones control virtually every function in your body, from metabolism and mood to sleep and reproductive health. When hormones become imbalanced, the effects can cascade throughout multiple systems, creating a wide range of symptoms that may seem unrelated.
Comprehensive hormone testing provides objective data that takes the guesswork out of treatment. Rather than treating symptoms blindly, practitioners can identify exactly what is causing health concerns and develop targeted protocols for your specific imbalances. At Radiant Health, we use specialty lab testing to get the full picture of your hormonal health.
Types of Hormone Tests
Blood (Serum) Testing
Blood testing remains the most common method for measuring hormone levels. Serum tests provide a snapshot of hormone levels at a specific moment and are particularly useful for measuring thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies), fasting insulin and blood glucose, and baseline reproductive hormones.
Serial serum testing, measuring hormones at different days in the menstrual cycle, can provide additional insight into hormone patterns throughout the month.
Saliva Testing
Saliva hormone testing offers an excellent tool for gaining insight into how hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Unlike blood tests that capture a single moment, saliva testing can measure hormones at various times, providing a clearer picture of how your body responds to daily stress, sleep, and nutrition. This test is particularly beneficial for assessing adrenal fatigue as it tracks cortisol levels throughout the day.
Saliva testing can also identify imbalances in progesterone and estrogen.
Urine Testing (DUTCH Test)
Urine hormone testing offers another detailed approach to understanding hormone fluctuations over a 24-hour period. The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) test provides a comprehensive snapshot of hormone levels including metabolites.
This testing method is especially useful for evaluating thyroid function through metabolite patterns, adrenal health and cortisol patterns, reproductive hormone imbalances, and how hormones are being metabolized. Urine testing helps pinpoint hormone imbalances affecting mood, metabolism, and energy levels.
Essential Hormones to Test
Thyroid Hormones
A complete thyroid panel includes TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Free T4 (thyroxine), Free T3 (the active thyroid hormone), Reverse T3 (inactive thyroid hormone), and Thyroid antibodies (TPO, Thyroglobulin).
Many conventional doctors only test TSH, but comprehensive thyroid evaluation gives insights into conversion efficiency of T4 to T3, the active form. A single test often is not enough, and basic TSH testing may not detect subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
Reproductive Hormones
Key reproductive hormones to assess include Estrogen (estradiol, estrone, estriol), Progesterone, Testosterone (total and free), DHEA and DHEA-S, FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), and LH (Luteinizing Hormone).
Because hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, testing at specific cycle days or using dried urine testing that captures fluctuations provides more accurate information.
Adrenal Hormones
Cortisol rhythm testing throughout the day reveals adrenal function. Healthy cortisol patterns show highest levels in the morning, gradually declining through the day, and reaching lowest levels at night.
Disrupted cortisol patterns can indicate adrenal fatigue or dysfunction, explaining symptoms like difficulty waking, afternoon energy crashes, or wired and tired feelings at night.
Understanding Test Results
Reference ranges on standard lab tests are often too wide, potentially leading to subclinical cases not being diagnosed. Someone told their results are normal could still have underlying dysfunction.
Functional and naturopathic practitioners interpret results using optimal ranges rather than just standard lab ranges. This approach identifies imbalances earlier, allowing for intervention before conditions progress.
When to Consider Hormone Testing
Hormone testing may be appropriate if you experience fatigue that does not improve with rest, unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, mood changes, anxiety, or depression, sleep disturbances, hair thinning or loss, low libido or sexual dysfunction, irregular periods or PMS symptoms, hot flashes or night sweats, brain fog or memory issues, or difficulty managing stress.
From Testing to Treatment
Comprehensive hormone testing guides practitioners in tailoring unique treatment plans. Results inform decisions about nutrients, dietary modifications, bioidentical hormone replacement, and lifestyle changes designed to meet individual needs.
Follow-up testing monitors progress and allows for treatment adjustments, ensuring optimal outcomes over time. Working with practitioners who specialize in hormone health ensures proper test selection, interpretation, and treatment planning.